Thomas Tuchel said he was "devastated" to be sacked as Chelsea manager in his first official statement since leaving Stamford Bridge.
The German head coach, who joined the Blues in January 2021, was given the boot following a shock UEFA Champions League loss to Dinamo Zagreb and replaced by Graham Potter from Brighton & Hove Albion.
In the aftermath of his departure, Tuchel took to social media to express his feelings and thank his former players and staff.
"This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write - and it is one which I hoped I would not need to do for many years. I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end," he wrote on his Twitter account.
"This is a club where I felt at home, both professionally and personally. Thank you so much to all the staff, the players and the supporters for making me feel very welcome from the start.
"The pride and joy I felt at helping the team to win the Champions League and the Club World Cup will stay with me forever.
"I am honoured to have been a part of this club’s history and the memories of the last 19 months will always have a special place in my heart."
Under Tuchel, the Blues won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, and finished as runners-up of the FA Cup twice and EFL Cup once.
